The Best 4 Bike Trailer Hitch Rack: Best Choices For Shopping In 2024

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
Allen Sports Deluxe Locking Quick Release 4-Bike Carrier for 2 Inch Hitch
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Allen Sports Deluxe Locking Quick Release 4-Bike Carrier for 2 Inch Hitch

Allen Sports Deluxe Locking Quick Release 4-Bike Carrier for 2 Inch Hitch is the perfect rack to carry up to 4 bikes. It's quick install hitch secures and tightens rack inside of receiver hitch, so no extra tools are needed. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: MaxxHaul 70210 Hitch Mount Bike Rack 4-Bike Rack, Black

MaxxHaul 70210 Hitch Mount Bike Rack 4-Bike Rack, Black - The MaxxHaul 70210 is a heavy duty bike rack that fits 2" receivers and holds up to 4 bikes. It is made from high quality, steel with a sleek black finish and is easy to install. This bike rack installs with your vehicle's existing hitch receiver or by bolting directly to the frame of your car. Read Review

3. Best Easy To Install: Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) , Black

The Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2 inch Receiver) is designed to be strong and durable. Its 22 inch long arms individually secure bicycles with Allen's patented tie down system. This bike rack is perfect for your vehicle and will fit most vehicles that have a 2 inch receiver hitch. Read Review

4. Best Easy To Assemble: IKURAM R 4 Bike Rack Bicycle Carrier Racks Hitch Mount Double Foldable

IKURAM R 4 Bike Rack Bicycle Carrier Racks Hitch Mount Double Foldable. The IKURAM R4 is a bicycle carrier rack with a hitch mount for your car. This bike carrier rack is easy to use, fold down the arms and store it in the trunk when not in use. Read Review

When you have kids, it can be difficult to get them out of the house. If you live in a small apartment or condo and don’t have a lot of yard space, leaving your home can be challenging. Even with limited outdoor space, though, there are some great ways to get your kids out and about so they can experience the world and meet new friends.

Thankfully, having kids doesn’t mean you have to give up on fun. With the right kind of child-friendly activities, you can create fun family activities that everyone enjoys. Here are the best 4 bike trailer hitch rack for getting your kid outdoors and exploring nature without worrying about parking spots or traffic jams.

After nearly 21 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like Allen sports, Maxxhaul, Ikuram r, Tyger auto, Yakima, Hollywood racks, Trimax, Arksen. Among them, Allen Sports Deluxe Locking Quick Release 4-Bike Carrier for 2 Inch Hitch seems to be the first product you can rely on. Alternatively, if you're simply looking for a good-looking option, you may go with MaxxHaul 70210 Hitch Mount Bike Rack 4-Bike Rack, Black.

Our article today focuses mainly on giving you guidelines and tips to be able to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.

Our Top Picks

  • Quick install hitch secures and tightens rack inside of receiver hitch; Includes 2 keys
  • Accommodates a wide range of bicycle frame designs
  • Individual tie downs secure and protect bicycles
TOP Choice #2 MaxxHaul 70210 Hitch Mount Bike Rack 4-Bike Rack, Black
Our Score:
9.7
MAXXHAUL
  • Not for use on RV's, campers and fifth wheels
  • Powder coated to resist rust and corrosion. Rigid all steel construction. Includes reflector for added safety
  • Adjustable bike cradle with hook and loop straps. Comes with hitch pin
TOP Choice #3 Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) , Black
Our Score:
9.6
Allen Sports
  • 22 inch long carry arms individually secure bicycles with Allen's patented tie down system
  • 4 bike rack fits vehicles with a 2 inch trailer hitch only. Vehicle will require professionally installed Class III or IV 2 inches hitch to use this product
  • Allen's warranty does not cover items purchased through third-party sellers
  • 🎄Dual-Arm Mounting Design: Optimized dual-arm bike carrier rack which spacing accommodates bicycles of a wide range of frame sizes and designs, more stable and easily accommodates up to 4 bikes.
  • 🎄Rigid All Steel Constructed Bike Hitch Rack: Long-lasting and durable all steel construction with protective powder paint finish
  • 🎄Easy fold-down Arms: Be folded up quickly when bike racks not in use for compact transport and easy storage.
  • Easy installation in minutes. (DIY instruction included in package.) NOTE: Both provided Safety Straps must be installed to stabilize bikes while driving. Otherwise, any resulting accident and damage will not be covered by warranty.
  • TYGER No-Hassle Limited Lifetime Warranty for US customers!
  • Convenient vehicle access with tilt down feature and foldable carry arms when not in use. Soft cradles and protection pad designed to secure your bikes individually and protect your bike frames.
  • Easily access gear in your trunk with the tilt-away design (even with bikes loaded); The UpperHand lever lets you tilt the rack down and fold it flat for low-profile storage
  • Comes fully assembled and installs quickly and easily with no tools required; The SpeedKnob tightens to secure the rack to your vehicle’s hitch
  • Want more peace of mind? Lock your bikes to the rack with the HandCuff locking cable (sold separately) so you can adventure without worry
  • Each bicycle sits in a movable wheel tray and uses Ratchet straps to secure the wheels. The adjustable centre post has a sliding and rotating attachment cradle that is used to secure the bikes frame
  • With a max wheelbase of 48" And max tire width of 3", This lightweight rack accommodates most kids bicycles, ladies frames, Hybrids, road, and mountain bikes
  • Fits 2" hitch receivers only. Not to be used with a 1-1/4"-2" Hitch receiver Adapter. Not to be used on a trailer or towed vehicle.
8 Trimax Road-MAX Hitch Mount Tray
Our Score:
9.0
Trimax
  • Strong, easy to use locking attachment system to fit any 2" receiver
  • Adjustable padded arm to support the bikes vertically
  • Arm can fold when not in use for gate access
  • Easy to install and load and designed to tilt out of the way when not in use; TriggerFinger technology lets you fold down the arms with one press of a button for a lower profile
  • Compatible with both 1-1/4" and 2" hitch receivers (class I, II, and III) right out of the box
  • This hanging rack allows you to carry any type of bike with traditional frame geometry; Bikes with slanted top tubes require the TubeTop adapter (sold separately)
  • [TOW YOUR BIKES] This heavy duty, all-steel bike rack will easily transport up to 4 bicycles. It features padded bike cradles with hook and loop straps to protect the bikes.
  • [EASY INSTALLATION] Easily transfers between with 2" hitch receivers right out of the box.
  • [A QUIET DRIVE] This rack comes with an anti-rattle hitch tightener which can be used to solidify the connection and stop wobbling, rocking, banging, clanking and jerking.

Things To Look For When Buying best 4 bike trailer hitch rack

There are numerous factors to consider when looking for the best 4 bike trailer hitch rack to purchase. The easiest way to figure out the right one is to read reviews from people who have already purchased it.

Throughout this article, we will go over certain most important factors to consider when purchasing best 4 bike trailer hitch rack. Please take your time reading and studying the items listed below!

Security

Two main vulnerabilities of bike racks are theft. The bikes can be taken off the rack and the rack can be taken down. It doesn't matter if the bikes are there; racks can also be valuable items to potential thieves.
It only takes seconds for someone to steal your bicycle from the rack, whether you are going to a shop or just to get you home at night.
Your entire rack can be taken if someone is equipped with the right tools. If you don’t own a garage, this can pose a problem.

Mounting Systems

Two ways can you lock your bike on a mounting system are available. First and foremost is the strap system. The strap system is usually composed of an elastic or ratcheting strap that covers a portion of your bicycle. It's usually the frame in hanging racks, but it can also be used for platform racks to hold the wheels.
This is most commonly used in platform racks. It is an arm that extends from the platform to ratchet down on your bike's tires. They secure the bike to the platform. They are often reinforced with straps that run around the wheel's bottom to increase security.
The strap system is used in every hanging rack that we have seen. It's strong and reliable, but it can be damaged or broken by users. Many straps secure bikes with at least two straps at every attachment point. Your bike could fall off if the shepherd's hook is broken (which happens very rarely).

Tilting Feature

A tilt-feature hitch rack is a good choice if you are like many cyclists and plan on keeping your rack attached to your car for extended time periods or want access to your rear cargo space. With the exception of a few very inexpensive options, almost all bike racks with a hitch mount have this feature. Tilting racks are able to be tilted over using a lever. This allows you to lift the rear hatch of the vehicle or open its tailgate. Tilting is possible on platform and hanging racks. However, platform racks can be tilted with bikes loaded. Hanging racks must first unload bikes. It's another reason why we like the platform rack design.

Bike Weight

Maximum bike capacity
Maximum weight capacity for a bike
If you plan on transporting heavy downhill mountain bikes or e-bikes, fat, and/or cruiser bikes, make sure to check the rack's weight limit. Each design listing will indicate the bike's maximum weight. This amount may vary greatly. For comparison, standard road and mountain bikes weigh less than 35 pounds. E-bikes, however, can be up to 50 pounds. We recommend that you upgrade to a more robust model if your weight is close to or above the max. It's worth it to avoid breaking the rack or invalidating your warranty.

Bike Frame Compatibility

The shape of your top tube is important when hanging bicycle racks. To hang your bike, you'll need to have a triangular-shaped bike frame. This is the case for both traditional mountain bikes and hardtails.
Hanging racks may not work well if your bike is a mountain bike or step-through, as well as a smaller child's bike.

Ease Of Use

You've likely had to lift a mountain bike with full suspension onto a hanger rack. Or, if you have tried to Tetris on four bikes from a rack that was poorly made, then you understand the importance of ease-of-use.
Hanging racks are a great option for a common bicycle, the diamond-frame. You can lift the bike and slide it on the rack. Once it is secured, you can bungee it to the front wheel. It also gives you the opportunity to do some bicep curls before going on your ride.
A platform rack is a better choice for bikes with heavier frames or unique designs. It is easier to transport the bike because it has a lower frame. Once you get it on you won't need to move it around to make adjustments. It can be difficult to hang a bike on a rack.
The ramp is often the most cost-effective option, but it's also the most convenient. You can simply place your bike on the platform rack using this feature. This feature is great for riders with heavy bikes such as e-bikes and cruisers.

Hitch Receiver Size

Most hitches come in a 1.25-inch or 2-inch size. Before purchasing a bicycle rack, it is important to verify the size of your vehicle.
If you intend to transport several heavy ebikes, the 2-inch larger hitch will be able to hold heavier loads. You'll also find adapters for most racks to accommodate both sizes.

Bike Capacity

Generally speaking, platform racks are capable of holding anywhere between one and four bikes (if an extension is purchased), while hanging racks hold up to five bikes. The 1UP Recon Rack 6 can hold six bikes vertically and is a notable exception. Most riders prefer the 2-bike model, however families and those who plan to take their bikes on group rides may want to consider a hanging model with a larger capacity or one of these platform add-ons.

Wheel Size And Tire Width Compatibility

While tire size and wheel width don't matter when selecting a hang rack, those who choose the platform design will need to ensure that their bikes fit into the provided trays. The good news? Most road or mountain bikers will not have any problems. Every platform rack in our collection can accommodate 26-to-29-inch wheels, and 3 to 4 inches under tires. Problems can arise when you go to extremes with fat bikes and kids bikes that are 12- to 24 inches in diameter or have 4- to 5-inch tires.

Durability

Hitching racks are very durable. As they transport loads on rough roads, the single attachment point places a great deal of stress on racks. They are usually made of sturdy materials like steel so breaks rarely happen at their attachment point.

Bike Wheelbase Compatibility

The wheelbases of mountain bikes are getting longer, with longer design trends. There may be compatibility problems with certain platforms racks. This won't affect most people, but it will be of concern to larger downhill riders who use large, uphill-oriented mountain bikes. You can check your bike online by searching for a diagram. Bike manufacturers almost always include the wheelbase. You can also measure the distance between the rear and front axles to check your bike's wheelbase. This number can be used to compare your bike's wheelbase with the maximum spec of the rack that you are interested in buying.

FAQs

How Do You Transport A Bike Without A Rack?

Some bikes can be put in the trunk, back or under the vehicle. However, it may not work if the front wheel is removed. You may not be able to accommodate some bikes in your vehicle. A friend who has a van can help you to transport your bicycle.

Which Car Bike Rack Is Best?

Each person will have their own opinion on the best bike rack for them. It's almost impossible to pick the right bike rack for each situation because there are so many factors.
It is best to determine your requirements and then choose the rack that best suits you. A good hang rack will allow you to easily transport your bicycle around the house.
A platform rack can be a great choice if you are concerned about keeping your bike clean and safe. People who have difficulty lifting their bikes from the platform rack are also able to use it.
You get more features the higher your price. Racks with high-end features include security levers and buttons, which makes them more user-friendly. You can also access the trunk with these racks without having to remove your bikes.
Consider the things you can live without, and what you really need. You'll be able to find the right rack by balancing your needs and spending budget.

Can You Put A Bike Rack On Any Car?

You should find the right bike rack for your vehicle amongst many options. For some styles, you will need to attach a hitch or crossbars/tracks to the roof. Before you make a purchase, be sure to check the specifications on the rack.

What Is The Best Bike Rack For Four Bikes?

There are versions of both platform and hanging racks that can accommodate four bikes. The hanging racks are more difficult to protect your bikes as they attach from the top. The bikes can swing or hit each other while traveling thanks to this.
It is possible to space out fewer bikes, which reduces risk. Space is constrained with only four bikes. Make sure that your cradles are sufficiently spaced so the bikes don't collide, even with minimal swings.
Platform racks make this less problematic as bikes can be locked in place by both wheels. This adds stability and strength. Because the platform racks are lower, it's easier to place the bikes onto them.

Do All Bike Racks Fill All Cars?

Although most bikes racks can be adjusted, they are not universally compatible. There are simply too many shapes and sizes of bikes to make this possible.
You need to know the dimensions of your rear bumper if you are thinking of buying one. There are different rear racks that work well with various cars, such as saloons and hatchbacks. You can find the manufacturer's website to check which racks will fit your vehicle.
A roof rack that is not compatible with the current roof bars may also be incompatible. There are two types: the traditional square-profile or more modern, oval aero bars. Oval bars cut through air and reduce drag. They also produce less wind noise. Make sure your roof rack will fit with any shape of roof bar you choose.

Are Hitch Bike Racks Better?

Hitch racks can be a good option if your car has that capability. Mounts that attach to the hitch receiver are better than trunk racks and roof racks. They also protect your vehicle's finish.
These racks are also easier to set up than any other option. This is great news for those who don't need a rack in their car all day. It's attached with a steel pin so it takes only one step to attach it to a trailer hitch and then one to take it off when it's time to go.

Do Bike Racks Damage Your Car?

A hitch-mounted rack has a greater chance of being preferred to a trunk-mounted one. This is because the hitch does not have contact with the vehicle's body. It reduces rubbing on the paint. This keeps the rack from contacting any parts of the body where it could damage or dent.
No matter how careful a company takes when creating a rack system, human error is always possible. If the rack is not on the car, opening the hatchback can cause the rack to be lifted off the vehicle.
It can damage the rack and cause scratching. When you reach the back of your car, make sure that the rack is not in the way.
If you aren't careful, bikes can contact your car. Sometimes platform racks are used to transport the bike near a car's rear window. If the road is particularly bumpy, this can make it more likely that the handlebar will pass through the window.
This can be solved by moving the cradles closer to the windows. The front tire can hang unsupported, which could lead to it bumping into your car.
Although it's not as serious as breaking windows, the damage to the finish can be severe over time. This is a simple fix. To solve the problem, secure the wheel using a strap and bungee rope.

What Is The Easiest Bike Rack To Use?

Each type of rack has its advantages. Hanging racks can be used if you don't have to lift your bike. You can secure your bike by placing it on the arms. Then tie the straps and bungee your front wheel.
The platform racks are easier to use than the cradles, but they require less muscle. They do require a little more effort to secure the bike. Swing-away racks make it easy to reach the rear of your bike. If you have a lot to carry (for example, camping trips), one of these racks might be a good choice. ).

Why Are Bike Racks So Expensive?

A high-quality bike rack is essential if you are to keep your bicycle safe. Racks made of durable materials will last for years, protecting your investment. A cheap rack will cause damage to your bike or vehicle.

Conclusion

The best 4 bike trailer hitch rack would be those who suit your needs and demands at the lowest possible cost. With more and more options available, it could be simple to find a design that satisfies all of these criteria. If you're not sure which one is best for you, take into account the ARKSEN 4 Bike Rack, Heavy Duty Bicycle Carrier, Rear Hitch Mount for another option.


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About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

Read Hailey's full bio